Rain and strong winds expected across South

New Zealanders, be prepared to dust off the brollies this week as two fronts prepare to pummel most parts of the nation with rain and strong winds.

Rain is expected in most parts of the country this week but Metservice has issued specific warnings to several parts of the South Island's west coast.

Heavy rain watches and warnings are in force for Fiordland, the headwaters of Otago lakes and rivers and Westland south of Otira with thunderstorms also expected in these areas.

On Tuesday we see the first of two significant fronts this week which will bring rain to most, as well as snow to around 1200m for the southern South Island. In the video we can see the passage of the front crossing the country on Tuesday. Latest at https://t.co/Yjbq0jxdqz ^KL pic.twitter.com/pKwTJPH0X8— MetService (@MetService) May 26, 2019

"This could be a significant rain event and rainfall accumulations are likely to exceed 500mm in some places over a four- or five-day period," Metservice meteorologist Kyle Lee said.

The first of two significant fronts moving over the nation will arrive midweek and bring rain to most areas, as well as snow to around 1200m for the southern South Island.

A few significant fronts will be moving onto the country which will bring rain as well as strong winds to most places this week. Here is the Severe Weather Outlook from Tuesday to Friday this week. More details can be found here https://t.co/ePtVj8cXwp ^KL pic.twitter.com/yK84yaQPw3— MetService (@MetService) May 26, 2019

Then, towards the weekend as we approach the official start date of winter, cold southwesterlies are set to pack a punch for New Zealand as the second front arrives.

Meanwhile, the weather for the past week which followed the trend for the month of May - which has been warmer and well above average daytime temperature - is set to move on.

The above-average autumn weather has also seen the country experience less rainfall than usual for May.

"The temperature in Wellington hasn't dropped below double digits since Monday morning, and is not expected to drop below 13C this coming week," Lee said.

"Today's maximum temperatures across the country aren't expected to be below 14-15C for the main centres, well above average for most of the South Island."

Add a Comment

Local journalism matters - now more than ever

As the Covid-19 pandemic brings the world into uncharted waters, Otago Daily Times reporters and photographers continue to bring you the stories that matter. For more than 158 years our journalists have provided readers with local news you can trust. This is more important now than ever.

As advertising drops off during the pandemic, support from our readers is crucial. You can help us continue to bring you news you can trust by becoming a supporter.